WASHINGTON (CNN) – When President-elect Barack Obama heads to the Democratic National Committee Thursday afternoon to formally announce the name of the party's new chair, there will be a notable absence.

Current Chairman Howard Dean is leaving Thursday morning for Pago Pago, American Samoa to attend the inauguration of that territory’s governor, and to help raise money for the Democratic Party there. Dean has so far visited all 50 states, and all territories except American Samoa.

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who was on the shortlist to be Obama’s vice-president, will succeed Dean and formally take over his DNC post later this month.

soundoff(24 Responses)

You are an embarrasment to every working man and women in this country. Give it a rest and go unplug a drain.

January 7, 2009 09:22 pm at 9:22 pm |

Ted

BYAW!!

January 7, 2009 09:27 pm at 9:27 pm |

Anonymous

I can think of no better place for Howard Dean than Pago Pago...

January 7, 2009 09:29 pm at 9:29 pm |

Proud American

Thanks Mr. Dean, you have already done a great job.

January 7, 2009 09:35 pm at 9:35 pm |

WIlly Brown

"Dean has so far visited all 50 states" Hey Howie only 7 more states to go.

January 7, 2009 09:53 pm at 9:53 pm |

Penn Voter

Sounds like Dean is PO'd.

January 7, 2009 09:59 pm at 9:59 pm |

sammy

Why hasnt Obama offered Howard Dean a position yet? Lets be honest, his success was part due to Deans road plans to victory. I dont like this tension thats starting to creep up between them. Barack, the man was a governor who balanced his state's budget. Now that Richardson has withdrawn from heading the department of commerce, you may as well offer it to him.

January 7, 2009 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

Proud American

Anonymous January 7th, 2009 9:29 pm ET

I can think of no better place for Howard Dean than Pago Pago…
__________________________________________________
Stop the hate you little coward, or grow a pair and sign your name. Idiot. You wish you could be half the man as Dean.

Another male appointed by Obama – this is getting tiresome and predictable. Nothing new here.

January 7, 2009 10:27 pm at 10:27 pm |

Rick Sutter

At least Dean can get his job done in only 50 states.

January 7, 2009 10:28 pm at 10:28 pm |

steve r

dean is a chump.........

i'm in vt now, what did he do for vermont?

January 7, 2009 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |

Perusing-through

WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH HOWARD DEAN? ? ?

Howard Dean did a great job to help the Democrats grow their party and win back the White House. His handling of Michigan and Florida for early primaries could have been done a little better, but who is perfect.

Two questions: Is there a reason Howard Dean is going private? He mentioned it today on a cable news channel. And second question is where are all the investigative reporters that should be getting the “real scoop” as to why Howard Dean has not received a cabinet post or Party appointment.

January 7, 2009 10:39 pm at 10:39 pm |

Jerry

The 50 state strategy was a winner. I wish Dean could stay on.

January 7, 2009 10:44 pm at 10:44 pm |

Ohio lady

I like Dean, too. And instead of Sanjay, how about Dr. Ben Carlson from Johns Hopkins for Surgeon General. That guy is awesome and very humble. He's also African American and a great role model. Even Dr. Dean could do that job. Just some thoughts....

How about Farid Zakaria for something? This guy is brilliant, and he's not bad looking, either.

If you want a good laugh, read the blog about Joe the plumber.
Dumb and dumber....You'll get some great LOL's from it....

By the way, anyone else tired of Ed Henry? Can we please have someone else cover the President Elect? I hate smirking.

January 7, 2009 11:00 pm at 11:00 pm |

Zago

So Sammy, Dean could not craft his own victory but others. What a great selfness MAN he is.
However, I do believe that he deserves something if he wants to serve his country. But it might be hyperbolic to credit him with that overwhelming victory that democrats have enjoyed over the last year's contest given the simple fact that the electoral operations were all centered in Chicago but nothing at the DNC. Ciao

January 7, 2009 11:00 pm at 11:00 pm |

amt

Dean should be in Obama's cabinet, Dean did a good job during the campaign.

January 7, 2009 11:10 pm at 11:10 pm |

TCM

D-MI January 7th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

hey TCM:

When you stick your nose into public life- and keep it there long after you've clearly worn out your welcome- you aren't a "private citizen": you're a public figure. Get your definitions straight, brainiac…

Hey D-MI – try remembering the TRUE story...instead of the 'washed," one...he was a private citizen, asking a question...retard

January 7, 2009 11:42 pm at 11:42 pm |

TCM

you libs that posted about Joe the plumber being a plant....well, that explains a lot about the mentality of the obama supporter....very...low.....in fact, I guess a local news anchor here in Orlando, was also a plant...when she was banned from asking Biden or Obama questions because, after all, they were'nt spoonfed the answers and might have to think...you libs are so far up OBama's behind you'll never see daylight...too bad your citizenship can't be revoked for betrayal of your country. JOE a plant...nah, he was an average guy, asking the question that the media sheilded Obama from...they continually served him softballs to swing at...well, no more...in fact, many of the media are disgruntled, along with many libs, with Obama...such fickle little people, you libs.

January 7, 2009 11:52 pm at 11:52 pm |

canuck

hey howard, does the hypocratic oath apply to republicans in your eyes?

January 7, 2009 11:55 pm at 11:55 pm |

John

Gee I guess Howard Dean had the last laugh on the media and the so called pundits of rightwing talkradio. His gameplan worked and he
should be congratulated for this win by the Dems and Obama. It was
his gameplan so deal with Rightwing wackjobs!!!!

January 7, 2009 11:59 pm at 11:59 pm |

Mr E

Histroy will have it that under Dean's leadership , this country produced the first black president.. Obama pleaseeeeeeeeee, find a position for this hard working man. if am not mistaking he is a medical doctor which qualifies him to hold any posiion that relates to madical issues, We are counting on you Obama to do the right thing but it seems to me that you may be losing some of us pretty soon, Clinton gave DNC chairman a position during his adminstration and Bush also did. Dont disappoint us, what is right is right